In twenty years, how many brilliant schemes devised by capable men had been ruined by an emperor who simply lived too long!

Take Wang Yunhe — he too had harbored a certain notion that “when a new emperor ascends, all things are renewed, and reforms will be easier.” Who could have foreseen that the capable Crown Prince would predecease the Emperor, and that the new Crown Prince would prove to be such a temperament, the Emperor would outlive his plans, the imperial princes would be indulged into such a state, and every one of these things would become an obstacle to everything?

Take Shi Kun — a man who had wanted nothing more than to pass his days in peace. He and Wang and Chen had together devised an undertaking that would stand proudly before heaven and earth — sending a generation of young elites out of the capital for tempering and practical experience, to accumulate talent while keeping them clear of upheaval, the kind of thing one could boast about in the afterlife. The Emperor lived on these extra years, and now those elites had grown into their full powers and could not stay out of this turbulent age even if they wished. We hardened you through trials so that you could come back and throw punches — at court? The fistfighting was only the surface of it; the real engine behind the scenes was precisely this group of people. They’d been cultivated into something like a nest of vipers — all that trouble to avoid something, and it was avoided for nothing!

Take Zheng Xi — who had entered the late Crown Prince’s service early on, starting as head of the Crown Prince’s household, enjoying the closest of confidences, and who had willingly absorbed risks on the Crown Prince’s behalf. And then? The Emperor outlived the late Crown Prince. Not to say that the effort had been entirely wasted, but what remained was not much. He had arranged for Wen Yue in the Imperial Guard — and the Emperor outlived that arrangement long enough for Wen Yue to enter mourning. He had arranged for Lin Zhen at the Emperor’s side and Jiang Zhi at the Censorate — and the Emperor outlived those arrangements long enough to transfer both men out of the capital. What a thing!

Take Liu Songnian — he had been summoned to the capital by the Emperor to help manage a transition, and that transition had been stretching out for twenty years. He was stranded in the capital day after day, going on so long that old Liu had begun to wonder whether he could outlive the Emperor.

Or take Duan Lin — the Duan family had understood their situation clearly. They had enemies, but the problem was manageable; a change of dynasty would be a reshuffling of the cards. But the cards on this table simply would not reach the end of the game!

And then of course there was the entire circle of the late Crown Prince, who had died in the prime of life — how many ambitions had turned to ash. The late Crown Princess had seen before her a life full of brilliant light, and it was snuffed out, just like that. The Chengyi Commandery Prince, the Eastern Palace’s old retainers, and so many others — all gone.

Instances such as these were beyond counting.

Even the Emperor himself: twenty years ago it had all begun with ousting Gong Jie — and that, too, had been done for the sake of a beloved son. And then the son proved unable to outlast his father. He had given his promising nephew Zheng Xi to the Eastern Palace, and then Zheng Xi too had wasted away several years in the waiting. Watching old ministers and old companions fade away one after another, and seeing that the sons who remained were none of them as fine as the one who had died — the Emperor’s heart, too, was deeply desolate.

Every single day, every single person faced the predicament that “the Emperor has lived too long,” along with the cascade of subsidiary problems it spawned. The world simply refused to proceed according to anyone’s plan, and kept producing surprises.

Nothing goes as hoped more often than not!

People dared not speak aloud any speculation about the Emperor’s lifespan — they could only press on, working their way through the wretched subsidiary problems the situation kept generating.

In the capital, each day brought the finest minds of the entire empire to frustration and recalibration. Far away, a thousand miles distant, there was also one person smoldering in dejection — Chen Luan.

He had retreated from active service at the right moment and arranged for Chen Meng to take a regional posting, precisely because he feared his son’s wits were not equal to the task of becoming someone else’s stepping stone in the chaos of dynastic transition. When old and new reigned changed, he, as an elder retired statesman, could submit a memorial of congratulations, his son could naturally reappear before the new emperor, and then be placed back in the capital. Perfectly arranged.

Who could have imagined the Emperor would live another ten years? It had gone on long enough for even his grandson to reach the age for entering government service, for his son’s seniority to accumulate more than sufficiently — and now what was to be done? Whatever was done, it was like holding a mouthful of scalding mutton in your mouth — you could neither swallow nor spit it out. If only he had let his son accumulate some regional experience and then rushed him back to the capital at the soonest opportunity, to sharpen his wits in time for the transition!

Plans always fall short of keeping pace with change.

The grandson entering government service was not Chen Luan’s own arrangement. When the Emperor thought of him, he had not even sent Chen Luan a word of notice.

Nothing for it but to adapt as circumstances demanded.

“Hold on to the calling cards. When you reach the capital, first pay your respects to His Majesty, and then to the chief ministers — be respectful,” Chen Luan said to his grandson Chen Fang. “The chief ministers likely have no time to guide you just now. For major matters, seek counsel from Wang Yunhe. For day-to-day affairs, feel free to draw close to your Uncle Zhù — he is a reliable person, more trustworthy than other fellow townspeople and old acquaintances. Always be polite to him. Shen Ying is a foolish man who never quite manages to do things properly. He is a relative by marriage — the proper courtesies must be observed.”

“Yes.”

“Always keep the Emperor first and foremost. Even when it comes to keeping things concealed, make concealing them from the Emperor your first priority.”

Chen Fang cleared his throat quietly. Chen Luan shot him a sharp glance. Chen Fang stood properly upright.

Chen Luan sighed softly: “His Majesty has grown sentimental about the past.”

Chen Fang said softly: “Yes.”

“‘Yes’ what? We have not returned to the capital for quite a few years now. The situation in the capital is not something a young man can fully grasp from a thousand miles away after reading a few letters. Once you get there — listen more, observe more, say little.”

“And when it comes to thinking and acting?”

Chen Luan said quietly: “It is not yet your turn. You only need to stand there. Observe quietly and keep to the rules for three months, do everything by the book for half a year, and then you may think about making any moves. Be amiable to everyone.”

“Yes.”

Chen Luan had picked an auspicious day for departure and personally saw his grandson out the main gate. Standing in the doorway, he watched with no small measure of anxiety as his eldest grandson’s back disappeared around the corner.

Chen Meng’s youngest son, who had been sent back in haste, hurried over: “Grandfather, it’s hot outside — let’s go back in. Older brother is clever, he’ll certainly make his name.”

Chen Luan said: “What do you know about it, child.”

……——

Chen Fang traveled by day and rested by night. Along the way he passed through the territory under his father Chen Meng’s jurisdiction and stopped at the prefectural governor’s residence to pay his respects to his parents.

Chen Meng said: “In the blink of an eye you’ve grown up. Once you reach the capital, bide your time and watch. Your grandfather was prime minister for many years, and I can see that the princes are unlikely to stay quiet. Someone will certainly try to make friends with you and draw you in — don’t promise anything to anyone. I’ll be heading to the capital myself in another two months.”

It was Chen Meng’s turn to make his annual visit to the capital this year, and he actually thought the timing of his son entering government service was quite good — he would soon be back in the capital himself and could spend a couple of months with the boy.

Chen Fang said: “Grandfather also told me to be careful in speech and conduct.”

Chen Meng said: “Exactly right! Oh — I also have a letter here. Take it with you for your Uncle Zhù.”

“Of course.”

His son’s ready agreement made Chen Meng anxious again. The recent upheaval at court — even felt from a distance as he was — had carried a palpable tension. Could his son handle it?

Chen Fang said: “Once I am in the capital, I am only a sixth-rank official. Even if something went wrong, it could not be something very large.”

Chen Meng said: “A sixth-rank official is not the same as any other sixth-rank official! In the Emperor’s presence, keep your mouth guarded — be respectful.”

“Grandfather said the same thing.”

Chen Meng went on earnestly with his warnings: “The Shen family, the Feng family — no harm in keeping up acquaintances, but don’t listen to them when things happen, and don’t carry messages on their behalf.”

“Yes.”

Chen Fang received the repeated admonishments of father and grandfather into both ears, was thoroughly fussed over by his mother — who reorganized all his luggage and added several sets of autumn and winter clothing — before being released to continue on his way.

By the time he reached the outskirts of the capital it was already mid-autumn. Chen Fang had changed into padded clothes.

That day, arriving at a relay station, he had his credentials verified. The station master said: “This way, young master.” And then they saw several men who had been sitting quietly in a corner rise to their feet and come forward: “Might you be the young gentleman of the Chen chief minister’s household?”

His servants moved to step forward, but Chen Fang held them back and spoke himself: “I am Chen Fang.”

The young man at the front, still with a trace of youth in his face, stepped forward and bowed: “This one is surnamed Zhù, a student of Vice Chief Zhù of the Court of Foreign Affairs. My teacher has sent me to welcome the young gentleman.”

Chen Fang saw that though he was not very tall and seemed a little nervous, his bearing and manner were proper. He said pleasantly: “So you are Uncle’s distinguished student. Uncle traveled through our family’s home on his way to the capital — did you come along at that time?”

The young man who had come was Zhù Lian, dispatched by Zhù Ying to wait at the relay station for Chen Fang. He had carried out assignments before, but this was the first time he had done so entirely on his own, traveling this far, on a matter of this size.

Realizing he had been nervous, Zhù Lian steadied himself and said: “Indeed.”

“Let’s speak inside.”

Chen Fang was several years older than Zhù Lian. A child of Chen Luan’s careful upbringing, his bearing appeared even somewhat superior to the young men of the Zheng family’s school. In Zhù Lian’s estimation, there was a very natural quality of refinement about him.

The two went inside and sat down. Chen Fang first asked after Zhù Ying, and Zhù Lian answered on her behalf. Then Zhù Lian said: “My teacher is unable to leave the capital, so she sent me to give you advance word. Some things have happened in the capital recently — please be mindful.”

Chen Fang said: “Uncle is considerate — what things, may I ask?”

Zhù Lian said: “You are to serve in the palace — the first and foremost priority is naturally His Majesty.”

Chen Fang’s position, while only at the sixth rank, was not merely well-situated — its starting point was exceptional. It was a post among the Emperor’s personal retinue, reserved for young men of the most illustrious noble families. It cared nothing for one’s abilities or seniority — only birth. Those who came from this position, even placed among the dissolute young scions of the aristocracy, were the very top tier even among those.

Zheng Xi had held this post. Luo Sheng had held it. The Lord of Leng had served the previous emperor in it as a young man. Anyone with anything to recommend them was placed directly before the Emperor’s eyes.

Since losing his sight, the Emperor had grown increasingly sentimental about the past. The old companions he remembered were mostly gone — he would think of one, and that person had died; think of another, and that person too. He thought of Chen Luan — not dead yet — and asked after Chen Luan’s descendants. Chen Meng was already a prefectural governor; he asked if there was anyone else. Wang Yunhe and Shi Kun of course would not say the Chen family had no one left — they replied that Chen Luan’s eldest grandson had grown to adulthood. The Emperor, recalling how fully Chen Luan had satisfied him during his years as prime minister, personally summoned Chen Fang to the capital to take office.

He was, in his own way, a person sheltered by the Emperor’s favor. As long as he was careful, Chen Fang’s future could not go badly wrong. By the same token, if he was not careful, his every shortcoming and mistake would also be directly before the Emperor’s eyes.

Chen Fang asked: “Is His Majesty’s health good?”

Zhù Lian shook his head: “His eyes have never recovered. He remains inscrutable.”

Chen Fang nodded to himself: That means unpredictable moods that no one can read.

Zhù Lian said: “My teacher says — once you reach the capital, go nowhere else first. Go directly into the palace. Everything else must come after the Emperor.”

This aligned precisely with Chen Luan’s instructions. Chen Fang said: “Uncle is right.”

Zhù Lian also told him: “Before the court brawl recently, several people in the Imperial Guard were dismissed and replaced. Two acquaintances from your household have also been reassigned. My teacher asks that when you meet with them, please take notice.”

Chen Fang said: “Of course.” He glanced at Zhù Lian and decided he would say certain things directly to Zhù Ying himself. His family had not instructed any fellow townspeople or old acquaintances to take a side. Those who had brawled at court had not been directed by his family — this had to be made clear. There absolutely could be no misunderstanding.

Following this, Zhù Lian also told him about various matters concerning the imperial princes, including the Eastern Palace. Before the Emperor, the principal figures at the moment were the Crown Prince and Prince Lu. The Crown Prince was still living something of the life the late Crown Prince had lived, except that his main activity was receiving scoldings — the Emperor would scold him roundly, and then arrange a few more duties for him. Over time, the Crown Prince had grown accustomed to this. With Qiyang Prince and Princess Luo Gu nearby, things were relatively easier for him.

Zhù Lian then produced four lists and handed them over: “My teacher says — this one is a list of fellow townspeople currently serving in the capital, this one is a roster of personnel in the palace relevant to your duties, this one is the procedure for your entry into service, and the last one is a list of things currently fashionable in the capital.”

Chen Fang received them with both hands: “Many thanks to Uncle.”

Zhù Lian continued: “My teacher also says — customs differ even ten miles apart. There are some differences between the capital’s dress and fashions and those back home. A tailor has already been arranged to be at your residence waiting for you. When you arrive home, they will take your measurements and make things in time for you to wear.”

Chen Fang thought to himself: Uncle Zhù’s reputation is well-deserved.

He offered further thanks.

Zhù Lian passed along several more of Zhù Ying’s instructions, and at the end said: “My teacher also has one final word — she asks that you be sure to remember it.”

Chen Fang said: “What instruction might that be?”

“When you appear before the Emperor, be composed. Speak clearly, do not speak too quickly, and in every action and gesture, behave as though the Emperor can see every detail.”

Chen Fang committed it all to memory and then took out his own calling card: “Please convey this to Uncle for me. After my audience I will call in person and receive Uncle’s guidance.”

Zhù Lian accepted the card on her behalf and then took his leave.

……

Chen Fang entered the capital early the next morning and first proceeded to the palace to complete his entry into service. The third sheet Zhù Ying had given him laid out every step in sequence: where to go, who handled the matters, what their temperament was like, and what was required of him.

His grandfather had been the prime minister and was thoroughly familiar with such procedures — but that had been over ten years ago, and things had inevitably changed in ways Chen Luan could not fully account for. Zhù Ying had been far more thorough, noting even the people he would encounter and which way to face when handling each task.

Everything proceeded smoothly, all the way through to the Emperor’s presence.

Chen Luan had told him much about the Emperor, and Zhù Ying had given him the note with her guidance. When he came before the Emperor, Chen Fang was not flustered.

The Emperor, though unable to see, received him nonetheless and asked: “Is your grandfather well?”

The Emperor’s voice was aged and feeble, somewhat indistinct. Chen Fang looked up toward the throne and saw an old man leaning back in his chair. Chen Fang’s voice caught somewhat in his throat: “Grandfather at home often thinks of Your Majesty. Today, seeing that Your Majesty is in good health, grandfather would surely be gladdened.”

The Emperor said with feeling: “When I first met him, we were both still young.”

The old and the young exchanged reminiscences for a time. The Emperor said: “You have just arrived — I’ll give you two days of rest. Go home and settle in.”

“Yes.”

The Emperor granted him some gifts and the two days’ rest. Chen Fang intended to use only one day and come in early to begin his duties. He withdrew from the imperial precints and returned to his own residence. The household inside welcomed their precious young master like a treasure — the people clustering around him with muffled weeping. The head steward stepped forward: “The household has been waiting for a master! Young master’s room has been prepared. Please go and rest.”

Chen Fang said: “First let me learn everyone’s name, and let everyone have a look at the people I’ve brought, so we don’t run into each other inside and mistake each other for thieves.”

He first committed the household’s managers to memory, then made a circuit of the residence, and then arranged his own manager, attendants, and servants. Only then did he sit in the main hall and ask the remaining steward for a general account.

The steward bowed and said: “The capital has not been very peaceful — we’ve all been hoping for young master to come and take charge.”

Chen Fang asked: “Have any visitors come?”

The steward said: “The Vice Chief of the Court of Foreign Affairs, Zhù, sent someone. This old servant thought that our household lacks for nothing in these things — still, it is a kind gesture…”

Chen Fang smiled: “Your household can hold its head up in pride — it’s not that you lack these things, only that it hadn’t occurred to anyone to prepare them. Am I right?” A household steward would naturally not be as sharp as a Court Vice Chief. Everything else — lodging, carriages, horses — had already been proudly reported along with the rest. If clothing in fashionable styles had been prepared, it would have been mentioned together with the rest. Since it had not been mentioned, it had not been prepared.

The steward said: “Nothing escapes you, young master.”

Chen Fang said: “Send the calling cards first.” Wang Yunhe, Shi Kun, Liu Songnian, Zhù Ying, Shen Ying — and in addition, the Feng family — all should receive one. He wished to meet these people.

The three chief ministers — getting to see even one of them today would be fortunate enough; they rotated duty in the palace. As it turned out, however, he managed to see two — Shi Kun was on duty, and Liu Songnian was at Wang Yunhe’s home. Both first asked after Chen Luan’s well-being, then reminded him with a single phrase: “Keep a low profile and wait for your father to arrive in the capital.”

They had no particular understanding of Chen Fang yet. Seeing that this young man was reasonably polite, Liu Songnian did not make things unpleasant for him.

Chen Fang had now received the same instruction to remain quiet and not act rashly for the fourth time upon entering the capital. He thought to himself: What kind of a dragon’s den and tiger’s lair is this capital? When I was little I didn’t find it this dangerous!

Leaving Wang Yunhe’s home, he went directly to Zhù Ying’s home.

Chen Fang held great curiosity about Zhù Ying. Among all the civil officials he was aware of, the person he most admired was Wang Yunhe — whom he also took as his model — but the person who most intrigued him was Zhù Ying. Zhù Ying was from the same hometown. A year or two ago he had been asking after her, genuinely unable to understand how a village-born pauper’s daughter of a fraudulent fortune-teller could possibly be someone his grandfather would speak of with nothing but praise.

He had met Zhù Ying as a child and his impression of her had been very favorable. He had met her again two years prior, and from Zhù Ying’s person one could not make out the slightest trace of where she had come from.

There was an extraordinary contrast between Zhù Ying and her origins — a contrast so enormous it made Chen Fang unable to resist drawing near to her, to observe and understand her.

“Chen Fang? He’s here? How interesting.” Zhù Ying removed her eye cloth, and had someone show Chen Fang into the main hall.

Chen Fang walked into the hall and saw Zhù Ying already on her feet waiting for him. This world-uncle of hers was not powerfully built — slightly slender in frame — yet her posture was perfectly straight and upright. Standing there, she gave one a sense of ease just looking at her. Her face held a smile that was exactly right — natural, without the slightest artifice. She had no beard, which brought to Chen Fang’s mind a story from long ago.

Chen Fang moved to bow first; Zhù Ying caught him and lifted him up: “You look in good spirits.”

“Yes.”

Zhù Lian was standing behind another person — also a handsome man. Zhù Ying said: “This is Zhao Su.” Below Zhù Ying, there were also several young men and women. Upon introduction, they proved to be a group of students, all from Wuzhou. Chen Fang knew that was a land of tribal peoples in the south, yet he bowed his fists formally in greeting toward the young women he met there as well.

Host and guest sat down. Zhù Ying first asked about Chen Luan. Chen Fang said: “Grandfather is very well. He told me after reaching the capital to listen to whatever Uncle says.”

Zhù Ying smiled: “If you want to ask me about things in the capital, that I can certainly tell you. As for other things — I must say, Lord Chen worries about you too much. When I was your age, I loved best to make up my own mind. You’ve grown this big — wouldn’t it strike you as a little off if you had to defer to others in everything?”

Chen Fang said: “Uncle is exceptionally gifted — I am no match for you. You could stand on your own feet when you were young; I still need to ask humbly of others. At home, grandfather said it; just now, Chief Minister Wang also said it — all the same as what you say. Everyone told me to be steady and law-abiding.”

Zhù Ying said: “That is the first half. Being steady is for the purpose of finding your footing, and once you have your footing, you move forward. Otherwise, what is the point? I refuse to believe that, sharp as Lord Chen is, he did not also give you the second half. Only that right now you still need to find your footing — look carefully and listen first, and once you have identified the target, then make your move.”

Chen Fang gave an embarrassed smile. Being in Zhù Ying’s company was genuinely easy and pleasant. He recounted what had happened when he appeared before the Emperor. Zhù Ying said: “His Majesty’s eyes cannot see, but his mind can. He keeps his own accounts in his heart — what we see on the outside is not necessarily the truth.”

Chen Fang smiled: “Indeed.”

Chen Fang was an intelligent young man — intelligent and polite, considerably more deep and measured than his father had been at this age. Zhù Ying asked whether he had yet been to the Shen family and the Feng family relatives, and Chen Fang said: “I have already sent cards. I have a rest day tomorrow and plan to call on them.”

Zhù Ying said: “Good. The courtesy must be there.” It was only when someone reminded them that curfew was approaching that Chen Fang finally left Zhù Ying’s home.

After this, there was a round of visits to relatives and old acquaintances of his father and grandfather. Of everyone he met, not one could match Zhù Ying — whether in genuine kindness, or in attempts to cultivate connections with him. The guidance and arrangements others made could not compare to Zhù Ying’s in hitting precisely on what mattered.

Once he took up his post, when not engaged with colleagues, Chen Fang would slip away to Zhù Ying’s home whenever he had a free moment. From then on, Zhù Manor had one more unofficial regular at the dinner table.

……

Half a month passed in a flash. This day, Chen Fang came out of the imperial precincts and, rather than going home, waited by the gate. Seeing Zhù Ying emerge, he ran over: “Uncle.”

Zhù Ying looked up at him with a smile: “What do you want to eat today?”

Chen Fang smiled: “The food doesn’t matter — there are a lot of people at your place, it’s lively.”

“Let’s go then. Where’s A’Su?”

Zhao Su said: “I’m coming too!” He turned back to tell his servant, and also sent word to Qi Xiao Niangzi to join them at Zhù Ying’s manor for dinner.

The group mounted their horses and rode slowly toward Zhù Ying’s home. They had not gone far when Chen Fang drew close and said in a low voice: “Uncle — this afternoon, the Emperor suddenly lost consciousness. The imperial physicians worked for half a day before he revived.”